公共交通工具，是个以为人民服务为优先的工具，还是个视赚钱为第一考量的机构？

Being converted back to a MRT commuter recently, I realised that it’s increasingly more challenging to be a MRT passenger during the peak hours. Despite only a short journey, the train seems to be a huge training ground. Commuters can hone their squeezing skills, which is useful for getting in/out of a crowd, when getting on and off the train. At the same time, then can improve their ability to react to sudden shocks (ie jerks) as well as to spot opportunities, such as gaps in enclosed areas. In addition, there are times when passengers can test their level of tolerance by putting up with unwanted noises, such as the PCK voiceover to remind people to be gracious.

Perhaps, we should thank SMRT & SBS for being 用心良苦 in providing ample training for passengers to improve their personal qualities, by not increasing or even reducing the number of trains in service during peak hours despite the significant increase in ridership. Ultimately, perhaps, the bottom line doesn’t justify more trains in the peak period, even when the passengers like us are packed like sardines on the trains. So much for public transport…